Atlanta Protests Turn Violent as Protesters Clash with Police

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The city of Atlanta is reeling after a day of protests turned violent, leaving several businesses damaged and multiple arrests made. The protests were sparked by the planned construction of a new $90 million law enforcement training facility, dubbed 'Cop City' by its opponents.

According to police, the Saturday protests aimed to bring awareness to the Atlanta Police Foundation and some of the entities tied to it. However, a group within the crowd began committing illegal acts, including breaking windows and attacking police cruisers. The Atlanta Police Chief, Darin Schierbaum, described the scene as 'indicative of a level of extreme escalation by the police.'

The protesters marched peacefully down a central Atlanta street, but things took a turn for the worse when some individuals within the crowd began engaging in violent behavior. Three businesses sustained damage to their windows, and a police cruiser was set on fire.

Police are continuing to investigate whether there were any others involved in illegal activity and have released the charges for the six people who were arrested Saturday evening. The suspects, ranging from 20 to 37 years old, each face four felony charges, including domestic terrorism, arson in the first degree, criminal damage in the second degree, and interference with government property.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens condemned the violence, stating that 'when you are violent, we will make sure that you get held accountable.' The mayor also revealed that none of the arrested protestors were from Georgia, with individuals coming from Tennessee, Washington, Maine, and Michigan. One suspect is from Georgia and faces the same charges as the others.

The protests come in response to a planned 85-acre law enforcement training facility and just days after the police killing of 26-year-old activist Manuel Esteban Paez Terán near the site of the training center. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for greater accountability from law enforcement.

In related news, Atlanta City Council member and former supporter of the training facility, Dickens, spoke out about the protests on CBS' Face The Nation Sunday morning. He emphasized that peaceful protests are a fundamental part of American freedom, but acknowledged that some individuals within the crowd meant to cause violence.

As the city continues to grapple with the aftermath of the violent protests, CNN is working to reach out to those arrested and provide support to those affected by the incident.

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